The statue of explorer Christopher Columbus that looms over Astoria Boulevard was vandalized with the words "Don't Honor Genocide" — the latest in a public debate over whether the city should remove or alter monuments of controversial historical figures.

A vandal or vandals stenciled the message in what appears to be blue spray paint on the base of the statue, which stands in the small Columbus Triangle park located next to the Astoria Boulevard subway station on 31st Street. The words "Take It Down" were also tagged on the monument.